CLAS2236 · Classical Studies
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
We will look at the makeup and dynamics of the Roman household through legal sources, which allow investigation of Roman legal arguments and approaches to issues such as marriage, dowry, divorce, disciplining children, adultery, procreation, adoption, and women's rights, and the role of the pater familias. We will also observe similarities and differences between Roman family law and modern American family law. By the end of the course you will have gained a better understanding not only of the Roman family but also of how societies--including our own--use law to order and regulate family relationships.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.9 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.7 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.6 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
— / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
—
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Student perspective
Recovered and new anonymous comments are shown as written and may reflect different course formats.
Apr 24, 2026 · Historical comment
Absolutely loved this class. Prof. Eshleman is one of my favorite professors in this school. I took this class as a freshman willing to try out the Classics department here, and after a week in her class I declared it as a major. She is truly kind and always willing to chat or help out.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Fall 2023
1 sectionSpring 2021
1 section